Testing, Requirements, & Approvals

Testing, Requirements, & Approvals

Impact Window and Door Requirements

Every impact-resistant window and door model offered by CGI goes through the rigorous testing requirements set by Miami-Dade County, the toughest wind-borne debris standard in the world. Our hurricane-safe products are tested and comply with the tougher Large Missile standard.

Of the six testing criteria, there are two primary elements to the wind-borne debris testing protocol:

1. The Missile Test (impact requirements)

Large Missile (structures up to 30 feet and above)- 2×4 missile weighing 9 pounds shot from a canon at 50 feet per second – two impacts

Note: The Cyclical Test pressure varies between products. The stronger products are tested and pass higher pressure, which equates to higher wind resistance. The resulting test results are documented in terms of pounds per square foot (PSF).

Impact Code Approved

An impact resistant window or door is only considered ‘impact code approved’ if it has gone through the test requirements defined by an approved code body and received a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or approval documentation. The pressure of the Cyclical Test used is documented in the approval, shown as PSF (pounds per square foot). All NOA’s are public information and should be accessible through the various code bodies. For Miami-Dade, you can go to their website at:www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode.

A project out or awning window is a top hinged outward opening window that protects the opening like an awning, providing ventilation even during rainy weather. Project Out windows are suitable in nearly every style of home and frequently used in bathrooms with obscure or textured glass.

Fixed windows are typically used for openings that are larger or where an opening window is not required. They are used to expand the view and bring in more daylight. A great choice for living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms and where ventilation is not a concern.